Undergraduate · Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Mathematical Sciences
Graduates of the mathematical sciences bachelor's degree program are exceptionally prepared to pursue graduate degrees. Our graduates have gone on to pursue doctorate study at universities including Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Texas A&M, Baylor University, Oregon State University, Auburn University and more.
At a Glance
What is Mathematical Sciences?
One of the oldest scientific disciplines, mathematics is a fundamental component to modern advancement in technology, science, art, architecture and engineering. In McNeese’s mathematical sciences bachelor's degree program, students develop the analytical, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills that are highly sought after in nearly every profession. Through coursework that includes advanced calculus, differential equations, probability and statistics, and through research and presentation opportunities, mathematics majors graduate prepared to continue their education at the graduate level or to pursue careers in fields including education, government and industry.
Minor in mathematics
Mathematical sciences also complements other degree programs such as engineering, computer science, general business administration, and more. With a minor in applied statistics, mathematics or statistics, students benefit from additional knowledge and training that leads to greater mastery of their core subject.
Explore More for Mathematical Sciences Majors
Featuring research opportunities, hands-on learning and small class sizes, the bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences program at McNeese offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience:
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Over 80% of students at McNeese qualify for some form of financial aid, and the Department of Mathematical Sciences has a number of scholarships available for continuing mathematics majors, including the John J. Munro, III Memorial Scholarship, the Lalitha and Sweth Scholarship for Mathematics Majors and the Timothy Allen and Cheryl Veron Derouen Endowed Scholarship. Find out more from the Office of Financial Aid.
Student Employment Opportunities:
Student employment opportunities are available to mathematical sciences majors in the Academic Computing and Learning Center (ACLC) tutoring center located in Kirkman Hall. Tutoring provides students with an opportunity to hone communication and interpersonal skills and establish connections with other math and science majors, while also helping students build their professional skills and resumes.
National Competitions:
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is home to the McNeese chapter of the Mathematics Association of America (MAA). Each spring, McNeese members of MAA have the opportunity to attend the MAA Louisiana/Mississippi Sectional Meeting and participate in a number of competitions, including team competitions, student paper competitions and the Integration Bee, where students compete for cash prizes by evaluating integrals.
Professional Networking Opportunities:
Mathematical sciences majors at McNeese can also join Pi Mu Epsilon (PME), the national mathematics honor society. Each summer, MAA and PME host Mathfest, a joint conference that is the largest annual summertime gathering of mathematicians. Here, both undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to present research, as well as attend presentations by nationally recognized mathematicians.
Mathematical Sciences Degree Concentrations
Computational Sciences
Interested in combining mathematics with computer science? Then the computational sciences concentration is for you! As a computational sciences major, you'll learn how to use computer science, mathematics skills and advanced computational techniques to solve complex problems.
Mathematical Physics
In the mathematical physics concentration, you'll be introduced to concepts such as multivariable calculus, quantum physics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. This degree plan is a good choice for students who are interested in mathematics from a theoretical standpoint.
Mathematics
As a mathematical sciences major pursuing a concentration in mathematics, you'll learn how to reason abstractly and model complex concepts using simple rules through the study of linear algebra and matrix theory, numerical methods, advanced calculus, differential equations and more.
Mathematics Education Grades 6-12
With a concentration in Mathematics Education Grades 6-12, you'll acquire the knowledge and skills to successfully teach mathematics to middle and high school students. With a two-semester residency that gives you experience teaching in local classrooms, you'll graduate ready to start your career with initial teacher certification.
Physics Education Grades 6-12
Learn how to successfully introduce middle and high school students to the foundations of physics with our concentration in Physics Education Grades 6-12. This concentration features a two-semester residency program that gives you experience teaching in local classrooms, as well as initial teacher certification.
Statistics
The concentration in statistics will focus your path of study on data and probability. In this program, you will use a variety of statistical and computational methods as you learn how to collect, classify, analyze and interpret complex data.
Dual Degree (Baccalaureate + Master's)
Dual Degree (Baccalaureate + Master's)
What Can You Do With a Mathematical Sciences Degree?
Students majoring in mathematical sciences can enter a wide range of industries after graduation, many of which are in high demand. Or students can continue their education through graduate study:
Graduate Schools or Programs
Master of Science in Mathematical Science
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Master of Science in Physics
Master of Arts in Mathematical Education
Potential Job Titles
Actuary
Budget Analyst
Data Analyst
Economist
Computer Systems Analyst
High School Math Teacher
Investment Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Middle School Math Teacher
Operations Research Analyst
Statistician
Testimonials
I will always look back fondly at my time at McNeese State University. The faculty members of the math department were so incredibly welcoming and kind that Kirkman Hall felt like a second home. I learned a lot of math and physics as well as learned how to educate. The math department provided us with opportunities to tutor and assist the teachers in lower-level courses, which was very beneficial both financially and academically. In addition, we took annual trips to MAA conferences, in which we participated in competitions and were exposed to higher-level mathematics. I am currently wrapping up an M.S. in mathematics at Oregon State University and can attribute a lot of my success to the faculty of the McNeese math department.
After graduating with both a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematical Sciences, I plan to work toward a Ph.D. in Math and eventually become a professor. My five years at McNeese were the first steps to achieving this goal. The Mathematical Sciences department was fully invested in my success, allowing me the opportunity to gain teaching and tutoring experience and helping me get accepted into 3 of the 4 Ph.D. programs I applied to. My thesis advisor, Dr. Carnes, exposed me to the world of mathematical research and gave me the opportunity to present my research at conferences around the country. I am forever thankful to my professors, and I am excited that there is still so much more math to learn!
• Mathematics Association of America (MAA)
• Pi Mu Epsilon (PME) chapters
• Association of Professional Educators of Louisiana (APEL)
• Kappa Delta Pi (K∆π)
• Kappa Kappa Iota (KKI)
The MAA is a national math organization. MAA members participate each spring in the Louisiana-Mississippi regional meeting, which includes various math competitions for undergraduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to present research, as well as listen to presentations by nationally recognized mathematicians.
PME is a national mathematics honor society, which encourages students to present research at regional and national conferences. In the summer, MAA and PME host a joint conference, Mathfest, which attracts mathematics students from around the country.
There are opportunities for student employment in the Academic Computing and Learning Center’s tutoring center located in Kirkman. The ACLC Math and Science tutoring center is a valuable work environment for math and science majors. Tutoring peers provides students with an opportunity to hone communication skills, establish connections with other math and science majors, and stay familiar with topics from previous classes.